Easy Peshwari Naan Recipe: Sweet, Fluffy, and Delicious

Peshwari naan is a soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet flatbread originating from the Indian subcontinent, particularly in northern India and Pakistan. It is a popular bread served in Indian restaurants around the world. What makes Peshwari naan unique is its delicious filling made from a blend of coconut, nuts, and dried fruit. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor (a clay oven), this naan is often paired with rich curries or enjoyed on its own due to its sweet and nutty flavor.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Peshwari naan at home using simple ingredients, and you can either use a tandoor (if available) or a regular pan.

What is Peshwari Naan?

Peshwari naan is a popular type of Indian bread known for its sweet, nutty filling. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, particularly from northern India and Pakistan, this naan is a delicious variation of the traditional flatbread. It is characterized by its soft, fluffy texture and a unique filling made from a blend of desiccated coconut, ground almonds, raisins, and sometimes other nuts.

Traditionally, Peshwari naan is baked in a tandoor, a clay oven, which gives it a distinctive charred and slightly crispy exterior. However, it can also be cooked on a stovetop or in a conventional oven. The sweetness of the filling contrasts beautifully with savory dishes, making Peshwari naan a versatile accompaniment to curries, or even enjoyed on its own as a treat.

Key Ingredients for an Easy Peshwari Naan Recipe

To make this delicious Peshwari naan, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Naan Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plain flour)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
• ¾ cup warm water (add more if needed)

For the Filling:

• 3 tablespoons desiccated coconut
• 3 tablespoons ground almonds or almond flour
• 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped cashews (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon melted butter or ghee

Optional Toppings:

• Melted butter or ghee for brushing after cooking
• A sprinkle of nigella seeds (kalonji) or sesame seeds for added flavor (optional)

How to Make Peshwari Naan (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir to combine the dry ingredients.
2. Add the wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the yogurt, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and warm water.
3. Knead the dough: Mix everything together until it forms a soft dough. Knead the dough on a clean, lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Let the dough rise: Place the dough back into the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix together the desiccated coconut, ground almonds, raisins, chopped cashews, and sugar.
2. Add the melted butter or ghee to bind the filling ingredients. Set this aside.

Step 3: Shape the Naan

1. Divide the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 6 equal-sized balls.
2. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a circle or oval shape about ¼-inch thick.
3. Add the filling: Place a tablespoon of the coconut-nut mixture in the center of each rolled-out dough. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal.
4. Roll it again: Gently roll the filled dough ball again, making sure the filling is evenly distributed inside the dough. Be careful not to tear the dough.

Step 4: Cook the Naan

You have two options to cook the naan: using a pan or a tandoor.

• In a Tandoor (or Oven): Preheat the tandoor or oven to high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Wet one side of the naan and stick it to the inner wall of the tandoor. If using an oven, place the naan on a baking tray and cook for about 5-6 minutes until puffed up and golden brown.
• On a Pan (Stovetop): Heat a dry non-stick pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the naan on the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface. Flip the naan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until both sides are golden and slightly charred. Brush with butter or ghee before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the naan is cooked, brush it with melted butter or ghee for extra flavor. You can serve it alongside your favorite curry or enjoy it as a standalone snack.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour for rising)
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Taste and Texture

Peshwari naan has a perfect balance of soft, chewy texture with a slightly crispy exterior when cooked properly. The filling of coconut, nuts, and dried fruits provides a delightful sweetness that complements spicy curries beautifully. When you bite into it, you get a burst of sweetness from the raisins and coconut, and a crunchy texture from the nuts, all encased in the soft naan bread.

Health Benefits

While Peshwari naan is a treat food, it does contain some healthy elements due to the filling. Almonds and cashews are great sources of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Coconut provides dietary fiber and essential minerals like manganese. Raisins add natural sweetness, along with iron and potassium. However, because of the white flour and added sugar, it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

(These are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients used.)

Expert Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

• Keep the Dough Soft: Ensure the dough is slightly sticky to keep the naan soft and fluffy. Too much flour will make it dense.
• Let the Dough Rise: Give the dough enough time to rise, allowing it to become airy and light.
• Gently Roll After Filling: Be careful when rolling the dough with filling—roll gently to prevent tearing or spilling.
• Cook on High Heat: Use a high temperature for a quick cook and to get that crispy, puffed texture.
• Wet the Naan for Tandoor: Wet one side of the naan (the side that sticks to the tandoor wall) to help it adhere and cook evenly.
• Brush with Ghee or Butter: Immediately brush with melted butter or ghee after cooking for added moisture and flavor.
• Prepare the Filling Ahead: Make the filling in advance to save time and keep the cooking process smooth.

Variations of the Peshwari Naan Recipe

Cheesy Peshwari Naan: If you love cheese, this variation is perfect for you. Simply add grated mozzarella, cheddar, or even paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to the filling. The cheese melts inside the naan, adding a gooey, savory layer to the sweetness of the coconut and nuts. You can experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavors.

Healthier Whole Wheat Peshwari Naan: For a healthier alternative, replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Whole wheat flour has more fiber and nutrients, but it will give the naan a slightly denser texture. To keep the naan soft, you may need to add a little extra water or yogurt to the dough. This is a great option if you want a more nutritious version of the naan without sacrificing too much flavor.

Gluten-Free Peshwari Naan: If you’re avoiding gluten, you can make gluten-free naan using a gluten-free flour blend. While the texture will be different, the naan can still be soft and chewy. You may need to adjust the amount of water to ensure the dough is workable, as gluten-free flours behave differently from wheat-based ones.

Vegan Peshwari Naan: For a vegan version, substitute dairy ingredients like yogurt and butter with plant-based alternatives. Use coconut yogurt or almond yogurt in the dough, and replace the butter or ghee with olive oil or vegan margarine. This variation still offers a delicious, fluffy naan that’s suitable for those following a plant-based diet.

Fruit-Filled Peshwari Naan: Besides raisins, you can try using other dried fruits like chopped apricots, dates, or figs for a new flavor experience. These fruits add different textures and sweetness levels, giving the naan an extra fruity punch.

Final Thoughts

Peshwari naan is a versatile, flavorful bread that can be easily made at home. With its unique sweet filling, it stands out among other types of naan and makes for a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned cook, this simple recipe allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality naan in your own kitchen. Remember to experiment with variations and perfect your technique, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser every time!

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